On Feb. 13, politician and environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK) was confirmed as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The Natural Products Association (NPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) congratulated Kennedy on his confirmation and expressed their hopes for his tenure.
“CHPA and its member companies look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy to advance policies that will enhance American consumers’ access to safe, effective and affordable self-care options. With a growing demand for OTC (over-the-counter) medicines, dietary supplements and OTC medical devices, it is imperative that our nation’s health care leaders expand access, streamline regulatory pathways and reinforce public confidence through transparent, data-driven decisions,” said Scott Melville, president and CEO of CHPA.
“AHPA recognizes the importance of open dialogue with HHS and other regulatory agencies to address, reform and improve policies that govern herbal products and dietary supplements, and welcomes new opportunities to advocate for longstanding priorities on behalf of the community. In times of great change, AHPA’s mission and values stand constant. We look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy to support a stable, thriving market for beneficial, well-regulated herbal products and dietary supplements,” AHPA said.
According to CRN, dietary supplements play a critical role in filling nutrient gaps, supporting healthy pregnancies, promoting bone and immune health and contributing to overall wellness. The association said is shares Kennedy’s vision for a health care system that “prioritizes proactive wellness strategies and giving consumers a full range of solutions to help them stay healthy.”
CRN is also eager to work alongside HHS and Congress to “modernize regulatory oversight” so that it upholds public health and consumer trust while fostering innovation and growth in a $64 billion industry.
“We stand ready to collaborate with Secretary Kennedy and the Administration to champion a proactive, prevention-first approach to health care—one that prioritizes promoting individual health empowerment, expands consumer access to trusted, science-backed nutritional solutions, and reduces the burden of chronic disease on the healthcare system,” CRN said.
According to NPA, Kennedy has strongly advocated for responsible regulation that ensures dietary supplements remain safe, effective and widely accessible. His leadership will be instrumental in addressing key issues for the industry such as labeling requirements, free speech related to health claims, revising outdated regulations and safeguarding the supply chain.
Daniel Fabricant, PhD, president and CEO of NPA, called Kennedy’s appointment a “new day” for Americans and people globally.
“As Americans increasingly seek access to dietary supplements and natural products to support their health and well-being, it is essential to have HHS leadership that understands the value of these products,” Fabricant said. “Mr. Kennedy has long demonstrated a commitment to transparency, fostering open dialogue on public health matters and defending the right of individuals to make informed choices about their health. His leadership aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Natural Products Association and the broader mission of the Department of Health and Human Services.”
